San Sebastian Donostia

[Cruiser Elite]

San Sebastian was our last stop so we had to reposition to fly out of ZRH - we took taxi to bus station in SS where you buy €17 bus ticket to Bilbao (BIO). Bus ride is 1hr 15mins through pretty picturesque countryside - BIO is surprisingly modern and functions exceptionally well. Check in easy as we were flying J on Swiss then off to Lounge. Lounge also surprisingly modern, spacious, bright and airy - some pics:

Entrance



Reception:



General:



General:



General:



Reasonable variety drinks / plenty fresh sandwiches - very quiet / very pleasant.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

And a few more:



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WE were departing ZRH at 11:45 on Sun 5th so we flew BIO-ZRH on evening 4th - report on ZRH experience in SQ Trips & Tales thread.

And so ended our San Sebastian adventure - what a wonderful city - what a wonderful few days - I could not recommend more highly a visit to this lovely city and area.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

So Glad I found this thread.
Lady Cool Cat & I are booked to fly into & out of Bilbao for a total of four nights in early July 2016.
luckily, We have yet to book accommodation for this leg, although we were thinking of staying purely in Bilbao for the Gluggenheim Musuem, although after reading this Top-notch trip review of San Sebastián, we may think of staying a night or two in San Sebastián instead.

Just as a matter of interest does anyone have any hot tips/pointers on Bilbao as a destination, or recommend more time spent in San Sebastián ?

 

[viccam]

San Sebastian is a must, There is so much to see and eat (and if you like, try the local canned sardines all hand prepared. I paid 40 Euro a can) that you won't believe your eyes. Be sure to go to the old town, the market, the whiskey bar, a cider house and a stroll along the beach front.

I stayed at the Hotel Londras, second best hotel town but a great location. Try to get the top floor, they have large balconies with views over the bay.
I flew into Biarritz from Nice, then had a 40 min bus ride to San Sebastian. Flights from Biarritz are limited from memory.
Very Melbourne weather.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

San Sebastian is a must, There is so much to see and eat (and if you like, try the local canned sardines all hand prepared. I paid 40 Euro a can) that you won't believe your eyes. Be sure to go to the old town, the market, the whiskey bar, a cider house and a stroll along the beach front.

I stayed at the Hotel Londras, second best hotel town but a great location. Try to get the top floor, they have large balconies with views over the bay.
I flew into Biarritz from Nice, then had a 40 min bus ride to San Sebastian. Flights from Biarritz are limited from memory.
Very Melbourne weather.

Thanks for your tips on San Sebastián

It didn't occurred to me that Biarritz ( BIQ) had an airport, so I've had a look at flight options into BIQ and certainly is an option EX LGW & MAD...... Your correct the flight times are quite limited.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

CCP - read the thread mate - if this does not convince I will retire from AFF - BIO quite new airport - very easy coach ride from San Sebastian. Hotel de Londres a no brainer for hotel accom - enjoy.

Now that this thread is open again and in the eyes of some - any suggestions of non Greek Isles Mediterranean locations that closely mirror San Sebastian / Hotel de Londres as city / hotel combos?

 

[whole-lotta-moxie]

We spent 5 days in San Sebastián in May. It is one of my fav places in Spain. We wanted to fly in to baritz but found all the transfers were too expensive it was cheaper to fly into bil and get the bus in to San seb. The old town is fantastic and has some of the best food in Spain. A word of warning if one of your 2 days is a Monday you might be disappointed because almost all bars and restaurants are closed on Mondays

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

We spent 5 days in San Sebastián in May. It is one of my fav places in Spain. We wanted to fly in to baritz but found all the transfers were too expensive it was cheaper to fly into bil and get the bus in to San seb. The old town is fantastic and has some of the best food in Spain. A word of warning if one of your 2 days is a Monday you might be disappointed because almost all bars and restaurants are closed on Mondays

Thanks for your tip on " closed" Monday's.
Great device!
Thankfully, we'll be visiting Wednesday - Sunday .

 

[jojen]

WOW Thank you Cruiser Elite for posting this thread on San Sebastián. We have just arrived after a horrendous day of flying on Iberia. A very stressful day, however on arriving at the Hotel de Londres and and checking into our room, 411 all the stress disappeared!! the view is AMAZING. We could not have chosen a better hotel. We look forward to the next 3 days here exploring and eating. THANK YOU.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

My pleasure - and thanks to JohnM we experienced Gandarias restaurant - DO NOT MISS IT!

 

[matan100]

San Sebastian is a must, There is so much to see and eat (and if you like, try the local canned sardines all hand prepared. I paid 40 Euro a can) that you won't believe your eyes. Be sure to go to the old town, the market, the whiskey bar, a cider house and a stroll along the beach front.

I stayed at the Hotel Londras, second best hotel town but a great location. Try to get the top floor, they have large balconies with views over the bay.
I flew into Biarritz from Nice, then had a 40 min bus ride to San Sebastian. Flights from Biarritz are limited from memory.
Very Melbourne weather.

Hi viccam, quick question: we are going to San Sebastian through Biarritz in August, just wondering which bus company you used, and whether you booked tickets in advance or just purchased on the day at the airport?

 

[Dr Bob]

Hi viccam, quick question: we are going to San Sebastian through Biarritz in August, just wondering which bus company you used, and whether you booked tickets in advance or just purchased on the day at the airport?

We had 4 travelling last year so took a cab (large Merc) 100 euro airport to door in 30mins. I did glance at the speedo on the freeway & at times it was 140K. Nice ride.

 

[jojen]

My pleasure - and thanks to JohnM we experienced Gandarias restaurant - DO NOT MISS IT!

WE DID NOT MISS IT !!! Thank you Cruiser Elite and also JohnM for this info. Have just returned after the most amazing meal. Food was excellent, great wine, terrific service and a great atmosphere. Have already booked to go back tomorrow night.

The wonderful Liere made the booking for us tonight. Agree with you she is a star. I showed her your photo in your report and she remembered you from,last year !!

Once ahain, thank you.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

My pleasure - and thanks to JohnM we experienced Gandarias restaurant - DO NOT MISS IT!

Thanks.
One to remember for me for next month!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Quite a few excellent restaurants in old City - as always hotel Concierge your best friends - Gandarias was one of the bars we visited on the hotel organised Pintxos tour . The tour was prolly overpriced but we felt worth it on our first night in town - there is a history lesson included with the tour which was fable - we visited about 8 bars with the alleged best Pintxos in town.